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Eastern Conference Race: Red Wings’ Road Trip Insights

Originally posted on Inside The Rink
By Alexander DeBerardinis | Last updated Dec 8, 2025 3:58 PM ET

Through thirty games, the story is still the same in the Eastern Conference. With the playoff line and the bottom of the conference being separated by only seven points, the Red Wings (along with the rest of the conference) aren’t exactly comfortable. As it stands, Detroit is on the outside looking in, though they are tied in points for third in the division.

It’s no surprise that a streaky play can make or break the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. A winning streak can give a team a cushion they need to play average hockey for a prolonged stretch, a losing streak can sink you too far out to make up the great.

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The Red Wings Road Trip Looks Promising:

Detroit is heading to Western Canada, which, as of right now, might be the easiest road trip in the NHL. Vancouver and Calgary are among the worst teams in the NHL. Edmonton is catching fire (and also sees Detroit on the second night of a back-to-back), but they are also one of the few teams with goaltending as inconsistent as the Red Wings. They then head into Chicago, where Patrick Kane will be flirting with goal five hundred.

In other words, Detroit should be smelling blood in the water. Despite them losing to some poor teams already this season, Detroit should be able to pick up some easy points.

Things are Starting to Come Together:

Detroit seems to be hitting its stride at the right time. The forward group is playing really well right now. The top line continues to be amongst the best in hockey, Kane and DeBrincat have got the best out of Andrew Copp, who has three points in two games with them. Hell, James Van Riemsdyk is looking vintage with five goals in his last six games.

Even on the blueline, things are looking better. Moritz Seider is genuinely a Norris candidate, and Simon Edvinsson is starting to iron out his lapses. Ben Chiarot continues to impress, while Sandin-Pellikka is starting to acclimatize well. While Albert Johansson has been awful, the big minutes from the top four has been solid enough to keep him off the ice.

John Gibson, for what it’s worth, has won two straight, so maybe the good numbers will start to come too. Maybe for the first time in a long time, December will be a good thing for Detroit. Or, old habits won’t die ye,t and Detroit is doomed for the holidays yet again.

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